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An Integrated System to Remotely Trigger Intracellular Signal Transduction by Upconversion Nanoparticle-mediated Kinase Photoactivation
Published on: August 30, 2017
A simple strategy based on upconversion nanoparticles for a fluorescent resonant energy transfer biosensor.
Hao Zhu1, Yujie Ding, Anqi Wang
1State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China. wuxingca@nju.edu.cn jjzhu@nju.edu.cn.
A new aptasensor uses fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and aptamers for sensitive lysozyme and DNA detection. This simple method shows promise for analyzing biological samples like saliva and serum.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer advantages like low autofluorescence and deep tissue penetration for biosensing.
- Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is a powerful technique for detecting molecular interactions.
- Aptasensors provide specific and sensitive detection of various analytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel aptasensor for simultaneous detection of lysozyme and DNA.
- To utilize the FRET technique between UCNPs and dye-labeled aptamers for sensitive signal generation.
- To establish a simple and efficient method for lysozyme and DNA quantification.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of NaYF4:Yb, Er nanoparticles as UCNPs.
- Attachment of dye-labeled aptamers to UCNPs via a cationic polymer linker.
- Detection of lysozyme and DNA by monitoring changes in upconversion fluorescence intensity due to FRET quenching and restoration.
- Validation of the aptasensor using human saliva and serum samples.
Main Results:
- The aptasensor demonstrated a linear response for lysozyme (30–210 nM) and target DNA (40–200 nM).
- Achieved limits of detection were 2.5 nM for lysozyme and 2.8 nM for DNA.
- The sensor successfully quantified lysozyme in human saliva and serum, correlating well with reported values.
- The method proved simple and convenient, avoiding complex bioconjugation steps.
Conclusions:
- A novel FRET-based aptasensor utilizing UCNPs has been successfully developed for lysozyme and DNA detection.
- The developed aptasensor offers high sensitivity, simplicity, and potential for application in real biological samples.
- This approach provides a versatile platform for the future determination of diverse biological targets.
